Innovation in higher education quality assurance: an empirical study of Sweden and Egypt

Abstract

Purpose – The aim of this research is to innovate a new quality assessment and assurance techniques based on a holistic and multifunctional perspective, to examine the major factors affecting students' perception of cumulative satisfaction and to address the question whether students in Sweden and Egypt evaluate quality of higher education similarly or differently. Design/methodology/approach – From the literature review, a draft questionnaire was constructed and tested to ensure that the instrument solicit information that is appropriate to internal and external quality assurance. The final draft questionnaire containing five quality constructs (5Qs) was distributed among university students in Sweden and Egypt. The collected data was analysed. Findings – In this research, we describe a study involving a new instrument, i.e. the 5Qs model. We modelled the student satisfaction as a function of the 5Q dimensions based on total relationship management (TRM) philosophy. To the extent possible, we draw upon scales which had been used in management, sociological, medical and pedagogical literature. Practical implications – The TRM strategy and 5Qs tool should be implemented to inspire all employees at the university, faculty and department to understand its main philosophy and approach. Originality/value – This study presents an innovative quality evaluation and assurance model. The new 5Qs model, methodology, together with its implementation, has proved beneficial in terms of structure for designing a higher education quality measurement instrument and a framework for prioritising results and findings.